Isaiah Williams

While meeting CDC and state Covid-19 guidelines, Delaware State University honors its 2020 and 2021 G.A.E.S graduates with a proper send off after such a traumatic year and a half.

In 2020 we were hit with an unexpected global pandemic and it shook up everyone’s world in
more ways than one can image — instantly changing everyone’s day-to-day plans. Despite the
changes that the global pandemic brought upon us, Delaware State University has done a
great job adjusting to CDC’s and State Covid -19 guidelines to keep everything up and running
and to give everyone the best experience possible.

May 7, 2021 Delaware State University commencement committee did a wonderful job giving
the 2021 School of Graduate, Adult and Extended Studies (GAES) students the sendoff that they
deserved. The commencement committee at Delaware State University put together a commencement protocol
that allowed students to walk across stage and be acknowledged in front of their loved ones,
which was one of the many things that most people were eager to experience even during this pandemic.

By adhering to state and CDC Covid -19 guidelines the commencement committee made it possible. “It was important to practice social distancing and have every seat six feet apart horizontal and
diagonal,” the head of the commencement committee said after May 2021 commencement
ceremony stated. Adding that, ” It was a challenge for me and Dr. Hobbs at first explaining to families why
more tickets couldn’t be sold. At first family’s didn’t quite understand the system put in place
by the committee for off campus visitors to ensure everyone’s safety. But once everything
was explained, family then understood and the event went on smoothly.”

“It is a Marathon and not a Sprint” stated Dr. Renee Marine, a professor in The Mass Communication, Visual & Performing Arts Department, stated after receiving her doctorates Friday, May 7 from Delaware State University. She added that “you have to believe that, and when you get close to finishing, don’t let anything stop you”. And Dr. Marine did not let anything stop her as she persevered through this difficult year and managed to get her degree as she planned.

On Saturday, May 8, DSU held commencement ceremonies at different locations and times on campus and in-person. At the Alumni Stadium was The College of Humanities, Education and Social Sciences (CHESS) Saturday, from 9-10:30 a.m. At Tubman/Laws Courtyard was The College of Agriculture, Science and Technology (CAST) from 9-10:30 a.m. And from 1-2:30pm at The Alumni Stadium was The College of Business (COB). Concurrently at The Tubman/Laws Courtyard was the commencement exercise for The College of Health and Behavioral Sciences (CHBS).